Intestinal microbiota development in the premature neonate: establishment of a lasting commensal relationship?

The gastrointestinal tract of premature infants is a highly fragile organ due to numerous developmental immaturities. Exposure to luminal microbes in the first several weeks of these infants' lives may play a significant role in the development of short‐term disease and may have profound effects on long‐term health. New non‐culture‐based techniques are providing exciting new insights into how the intestinal microbiota of premature infants develops and relates to health. A brief summary of recent research in this area is presented, which may be adapted to nutritional strategies for disease prevention.